Night Prayer (Compline) - WordPress.com...An Order for Night Prayer (Compline) Introduction The ancient ofﬁce of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’

Night Prayer (Compline)

Contents

334 Introduction

335 Structure

336 Notes

337 An Order for Night Prayer (Compline)

344 Daily, Seasonal and OtherVariations for Night Prayer

Night Prayer (Compline) 333

#16122-CUP-DAILY PRAYER

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An Order for Night Prayer(Compline)

¶ Introduction

The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin wordmeaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service ofquietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. It is mosteffective when the ending is indeed an ending, without additions,conversation or noise. If there is an address, or business to be done,it should come first. If the service is in church, those present departin silence; if at home, they go quietly to bed.

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Night Prayer (Compline)

Structure

Preparation

The minister asks a blessing on the life of all God’s holy people.

Authorized Prayers of Penitence may be used.

A hymn may be sung.

The Word of God

This includes¶ psalmody¶ a short reading from Holy Scripture¶ a responsory, committing oneself into the hands of God¶ the Gospel Canticle: Nunc dimittis

Prayers

Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.

The Collect is said.

The Lord’s Prayer may be said.

The Conclusion

The service concludes with¶ a calling on God for protection through the coming night¶ a simple blessing

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¶ Notes

1 Daily, Seasonal and Other VariationsThe Order for Night Prayer that follows may be used on any daythroughout the year. Alternatively, the psalm, Scripture reading andCollect may be varied daily; and the hymn, the Scripture reading, therefrain to the Gospel Canticle, the Collect and the blessing maychange seasonally and on Holy Days. Texts for daily and seasonalvariation and for use on Holy Days are provided on pages 344–357.

2 Gospel ReadingOn suitable occasions, particularly Saturday night and before otherfestivals, the Gospel for the following day may be read before Night Prayer or in place of the set reading.

3 ThanksgivingReflection on the past day may lead into thanksgiving in addition to penitence. In such case one of the Prayers of Thanksgiving fromthe seasonal forms of Morning and Evening Prayer (pages 198–302)or the Prayer of Thanksgiving on page 40 of Common Worship:Services and Prayers for the Church of England may be used.

4 PenitenceWhen the confession is used, it may be replaced by another act ofpenitence. However, all that precedes ‘O God, make speed to saveus’ may be omitted; this is particularly appropriate if HolyCommunion has been celebrated in the evening.

5 AlleluiaThe Alleluias included in the Easter form of the Responsory are foruse from Easter Day until the Day of Pentecost, not at other times.The Alleluia following the opening versicles and responses is alwaysused, except in Lent.

6 ConclusionThe response in square brackets [ ] is normally used only if HolyCommunion is to be celebrated the following morning.

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An Order for Night Prayer(Compline)

Preparation

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.All Amen.

Our help is in the name of the LordAll who made heaven and earth.

A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.

The following or other suitable words of penitence may be used

All Most merciful God,we confess to you,before the whole company of heaven and one another,that we have sinned in thought, word and deedand in what we have failed to do.Forgive us our sins,heal us by your Spiritand raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

O God, make speed to save us.All O Lord, make haste to help us.

All Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.Alleluia.

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The following or another suitable hymn may be sung

Before the ending of the day,Creator of the world, we prayThat you, with steadfast love, would keepYour watch around us while we sleep.

From evil dreams defend our sight,From fears and terrors of the night;Tread underfoot our deadly foeThat we no sinful thought may know.

O Father, that we ask be doneThrough Jesus Christ, your only Son;And Holy Spirit, by whose breathOur souls are raised to life from death.

The Word of God

Psalmody

One or more of the following psalms may be used.

Psalm 4

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; ♦

you set me at liberty when I was in trouble;have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you nobles dishonour my glory; ♦

how long will you love vain things and seek after falsehood?

3 But know that the Lord has shown me his marvellous kindness; ♦

when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

4 Stand in awe, and sin not; ♦

commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness ♦

and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many that say, ‘Who will show us any good?’ ♦

Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us.

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7 You have put gladness in my heart, ♦

more than when their corn and wine and oil increase.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, ♦

for it is you Lord, only, who make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High ♦

and abides under the shadow of the Almighty,

2 Shall say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my stronghold, ♦

my God, in whom I put my trust.’

3 For he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler ♦

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He shall cover you with his wingsand you shall be safe under his feathers; ♦

his faithfulness shall be your shield and buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, ♦

nor of the arrow that flies by day;

6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, ♦

nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, ♦

yet it shall not come near you.

8 Your eyes have only to behold ♦

to see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge ♦

and the Most High your stronghold,

10 There shall no evil happen to you, ♦

neither shall any plague come near your tent.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, ♦

to keep you in all your ways.

12 They shall bear you in their hands, ♦

lest you dash your foot against a stone.

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13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; ♦

the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 Because they have set their love upon me,therefore will I deliver them; ♦

I will lift them up, because they know my name.

15 They will call upon me and I will answer them; ♦

I am with them in trouble,I will deliver them and bring them to honour.

16 With long life will I satisfy them ♦

and show them my salvation.

Psalm 134

1 Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, ♦

you that by night stand in the house of the Lord.

2 Lift up your hands towards the sanctuary ♦

and bless the Lord.

3 The Lord who made heaven and earth ♦

give you blessing out of Zion.

At the end of the psalmody, the following is said or sung

All Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

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Scripture Reading

One of the following short lessons or another suitable passage is read

You, O Lord, are in the midst of us and we are called by your name;leave us not, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14.9

(or)

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowlinground like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him,strong in the faith. 1 Peter 5.8, 9

(or)

The servants of the Lamb shall see the face of God, whose name willbe on their foreheads. There will be no more night: they will notneed the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for God will be theirlight, and they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22.4, 5

The following responsory may be said

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.All I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Or, in Easter

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Alleluia, alleluia.

All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Alleluia, alleluia.

For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.All Alleluia, alleluia.

Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit.

All Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Alleluia, alleluia.

Keep me as the apple of your eye.All Hide me under the shadow of your wings.

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Gospel Canticle

The Nunc dimittis (The Song of Simeon) is said or sung

All Save us, O Lord, while waking,and guard us while sleeping,that awake we may watch with Christand asleep may rest in peace.

1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦

your word has been fulfilled.

2 My own eyes have seen the salvation ♦which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2.29-32

All Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit;as it was in the beginning is nowand shall be for ever. Amen.

All Save us, O Lord, while waking,and guard us while sleeping,that awake we may watch with Christand asleep may rest in peace.

Prayers

Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here.

The Collect

Silence may be kept.

Visit this place, O Lord, we pray,and drive far from it the snares of the enemy;may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace,and may your blessing be always upon us;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer may be said.

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The Conclusion

In peace we will lie down and sleep;All for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.

Abide with us, Lord Jesus,All for the night is at hand and the day is now past.

As the night watch looks for the morning,All so do we look for you, O Christ.

[Come with the dawning of the dayAll and make yourself known in the breaking of the bread.]

The Lord bless us and watch over us;the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.

All Amen.

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Daily, Seasonal and Other Variationsfor Night Prayer

This Collect may be used at Night Prayer on any day throughout the year

Lighten our darkness,Lord, we pray,and in your great mercydefend us from all perils and dangers of this night,for the love of your only Son,our Saviour Jesus Christ.

¶ Ordinary Time

Sunday

Psalms 104.1,21-33;134

Short Reading: the following or some other

You, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name;leave us not, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14.9

Collect

Almighty God,by triumphing over the powers of darknessChrist has prepared a place for us in the new Jerusalem:may we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection,praise him in the eternal cityof which he is the light;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Monday

Psalm 4


Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30.15

Collect

Be present, O merciful God,and protect us through the silent hours of this night,so that we who are wearied

by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,may rest upon your eternal changelessness;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Tuesday

Psalm 143


Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carryingheavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, andlearn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will findrest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Matthew 11.28-end

Collect

Look down, O God, from your heavenly throne,illuminate the darkness of this night with your celestial brightness,and from the children of light banish the deeds of darkness;through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

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Wednesday

Psalm 31.1-5, [19-end]


Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that he mayexalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he caresfor you. 1 Peter 5.6,7

Collect

Visit this place, O Lord, we pray,and drive far from it the snares of the enemy;may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace,and may your blessing be always upon us;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thursday

Psalm 16


Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowlinground like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him,strong in the faith. 1 Peter 5.8,9

Collect

Keep watch, dear Lord,with those who wake, or watch, or weep this night,and give your angels charge over those who sleep.Tend the sick,give rest to the weary,sustain the dying,calm the suffering,and pity the distressed;all for your love’s sake, O Christ our Redeemer.

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Friday

Psalm 139.1-18


God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvationthrough our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether weare awake or asleep we may live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5.9,10

Collect

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,who at this evening hour lay in the tomband so hallowed the graveto be a bed of hope for all who put their trust in you:give us such sorrow for our sins,which were the cause of your passion,that when our bodies lie in the dust,our souls may live with you for ever.

Saturday

Psalm 91


A sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those whoenter God’s rest also cease from their labours as God did from his.Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest.

Hebrews 4.9-11a

Collect

Stay with us, O God, this night,so that by your strengthwe may rise with the new dayto rejoice in the resurrection of your Son,Jesus Christ our Saviour.

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¶ The Seasons

Advent

Psalm 143


Keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the housewill come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn,or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake. Mark 13.35-end

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Come, O Lord, and visit us in peace;

that we may rejoice before you with a perfect heart.

Collect

Stir up your power, O God,and come among us.Heal our wounds,calm our fearsand give us peace;through Jesus our Redeemer.

Blessing

Restore us again, O God of hosts;show us the light of your countenanceand we shall be saved.Bless and keep us, this night and always.

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Christmas

Psalm 31.1-5, [19-end]


In him was life and the life was the light of all people. The light shinesin the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.

John 1.4,5

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Alleluia.The Word was made flesh, alleluia,

and dwelt among us. Alleluia, alleluia.

Collect

We give you thanks, O God,for the gift to the world of our Redeemer;as we sing your glory at the close of this day,so may we know his presence in our hearts,who is our Saviour and our Lord,now and for ever.

Blessing

May the love of the Word made flesh enfold us,his joy fill our lives,his peace be in our hearts;and the blessing of God be with us this night and always.

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Epiphany

Psalm 16


The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Titus 2.11

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Alleluia. Christ the light of the world, alleluia,

has manifested his glory. Alleluia, alleluia.

Collect

King of kings and Lord of lords,making the true light to shine:lighten our darkness now and evermorethat with our lips and in our liveswe may praise you;for you are our God, now and for ever.

Blessing

May the living waters of Christ cleanse us,may the Spirit descend upon us,and the blessing of God be with us this night and always.

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Lent

Psalm 139.1-18


Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, toundo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and tobreak every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, andbring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked,to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

Isaiah 58. 6,7

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Christ died for us,

so that, whether we wake or sleep,we might live with him.

Collect

Almighty God,may we, by the prayer and discipline of Lent,enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings;that by following in the Way,we may come to share in the glory;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing

May God bless us,that in us may be found love and humility,obedience and thanksgiving,discipline, gentleness and peace.



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Passiontide

Psalm 139.1-18


I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication on the houseof David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that, when they lookon the one whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, asone mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as oneweeps over a firstborn. Zechariah 12.10

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,

that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Collect

Almighty God,as we stand at the foot of the cross of your Son,help us to see and know your love for us,so that in humility, love and joywe may place at his feetall that we have and all that we are;through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Blessing

May God bless us,that in us may be found love and humility,obedience and thanksgiving,discipline, gentleness and peace.

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Easter

Psalm 104.1,21-33


The servants of the Lamb shall see the face of God, whose name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night: they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for God will betheir light, and they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22.4, 5

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Alleluia.The Lord is risen, alleluia,

as he promised to you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Collect

Almighty God,by triumphing over the powers of darknessChrist has prepared a place for us in the new Jerusalem:may we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection,praise him in the eternal cityof which he is the light;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing

May the risen Lord Jesus bless us.May he watch over us and renew usas he renews the whole of creation.May our hearts and lives echo his love.



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From the day after Ascension Day until the Day of Pentecost

Psalm 86


I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughtersshall prophesy. The old shall dream dreams and the young shall see visions. Joel 2.28

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Alleluia.The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, alleluia,

shall teach you all things. Alleluia, alleluia.

Collect

Come, O Spirit of God,and make within us your dwelling place and home.May our darkness be dispelled by your light,and our troubles calmed by your peace;may all evil be redeemed by your love,all pain transformed through the suffering of Christ,and all dying glorified in his risen life.

Blessing

May the Holy Spirit of God bless and sanctify usso that we may be consecrated in the truth.

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From All Saints’ Dayuntil the Friday

before the First Sunday of Advent

Psalms as in Ordinary Time


The one who endures to the end will be saved. And this good newsof the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as atestimony to all the nations. Matthew 24.13,14a

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All O King most blessed,

on the day of judgementnumber us among your chosen.

Collect

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,bring us to the dwelling which your Son is preparing

for all who love you;give us the will each day to live in life eternal;let our citizenship be in heaven with the blessed,with the whole company of the redeemedand with countless angels,praising, worshipping and adoring your Son,our Lord Jesus Christ,who sits upon the throne for ever and ever.

Blessing

May the light of Christ, the King of all,shine ever brighter in our hearts,that with all the saints in lightwe may shine forth as lights in the world.



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¶ Common of the Saints

The Blessed Virgin Mary

Psalms as in Ordinary Time or of the season


Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with meaccording to your word.’ Luke 1.38a

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Blessed is she whose soul was pierced

by the sword of the cross.

Collect

We give you thanks, O God,for the gift to the world of our Redeemer;as we sing your glory at the close of this day,so may we know his presence in our hearts,who is our Saviour and our Lord,now and for ever.

Blessing

May the love of the Word made flesh enfold us,his joy fill our lives,his peace be in our hearts;and the blessing of God be with us this night and always.

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Other Saints

Psalms, Collect and Blessing as in Ordinary Time or of the season


Apostles and EvangelistsYou are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with thesaints and also members of the household of God, built upon thefoundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself asthe cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together andgrows into a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2.19-21

MartyrsSet me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love isstrong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes offire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither canfloods drown it. Song of Solomon 8.6,7a

Teachers of the Faith, Bishops and other PastorsWisdom guided the righteous on straight paths; she showed themthe kingdom of God, and gave them knowledge of holy things.

Wisdom 10.10a

Members of Religious CommunitiesJesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom ofheaven. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’

Matthew 5.3,8

Any SaintFinally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whateveris just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever iscommendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anythingworthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the thingsthat you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, andthe God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4.8,9

Nunc dimittis

Refrain:All Grant us your light, O Lord,

that the darkness of our hearts being overcome,we may receive the true light,even Christ our Saviour.

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Night Prayer (Compline) - WordPress.com...An Order for Night Prayer (Compline) Introduction The ancient ofﬁce of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’